Monday, August 15, 2011

Disney World passholders help test customized princess merchandise

Guests to the Princess Room of the World of Disney store at Downtown Disney might notice an area sectioned off again this week. Behind the sheeting, Walt Disney World researchers are testing a new merchandise concept, and select passholders have been invited to participate.

The invitations were sent to a limited number of families with girls 3 to 16 years old. At the 30-minute sessions last week, I’m told the girls had 3D photos taken of their faces, and they will be used to create personalized princess figurines.

The girls were asked to pick their favorite princesses from a group that included Ariel, two Aurora (one in a blue dress and one in a pink dress), Belle, Cinderella and Snow White. The statues were described as about 10 inches tall and made of a rubbery material, not a hard plastic.

On a survey, parents were asked how much they would pay for such a souvenir. Although no set price was announced, one passholder said she got the impression that the price would be about $100. Parents also were asked how long they would wait to receive the finished product.

It’s not news that Disney updates and changes its merchandise frequently. But a customized item at a higher price for children is more unusual. Do you like the concept?

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